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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Rec a family friendly all inclusive on the beach
DH and I were all set for a week in Colorado with the boys after the holidays. We thought "they'll love the snow and mountains." Apparently not. I brought it up to them separately and they both said they want to go to the beach. They are 4 and 2 but were both dead set on beach vacation. I've been on line for over an hour and my head is spinning. Can anyone make a rec?
ETA- DH doesn't want to go to Mexico (although for a really amazing rec, I could bring it up...)
Re: Rec a family friendly all inclusive on the beach
Talk to MGR on FB. She had one in Mexico she loved.
I'm with your boys...beach is better
The Dreams brand of all inclusives are great for families. We visited the one in Puerto Vallarta but they have them in other areas of Mexico and in the Dominican Republic. What's the max flight time you want? In Playa Del Carmen, there's a place called Grand Velas that looks amazing and it is all suites. Not sure there is a ton for kids to do there, but the accomodations look great and it's a short flight.
There's a Beaches resort in Turks & Caicos that looks nice and they have all the Sesame characters there, but it's a long flight from Houston.
Jamaica has LOTS of AI options, but with the flight + drive time to the resorts in Negril or Ocho Rios, it would be out of the question for me with my 2 year old
I'll be happy to help you brainstorm. You know I LOVE planning vacations
That Beaches in the one that keeps coming up in my searches. They have an awesome special going on right now, like 65% off. I need to edit to add that Ray doesn't want to go to Mexico... Our kids are pretty good travelers so flight + drive doesn't worry me
Ray also wants to check out Rosemary Beach. He said J said you guys had an awesome time there, but I think the Gulf will be too chilly in Feb
It's not all inclusive, but the Four Seasons in Nevis caters wonderfully to kids. Finley had her own toiletries, bath robe, welcome cookies, daily fruit, etc... And kids under 5 eat free for all meals, which really adds up. The kids' club is also free, we only used it once while we were on a snorkel trip, Finley had a great time and there were lots of activities. There were beach toys, kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear available at no charge. We did get Finley a "Sea Window" so she could snorkel around with us at the resort beach. The island itself is lovely, totally unspoiled (cruise ships are not allowed to dock there.) The best part of the resort for us was the staff. Everyone was so friendly and they were all wonderful with kids. They made Finley feel like she fit right in at a fancy restaurant, which was really nice. The resort itself is lovely, the rooms are very spacious. I would recommend a room on the second level, since the first floor can have obstructed views of the sea. We booked with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agent and got free daily breakfast, free room upgrade and a $100 spa credit.
So Tasty, So Yummy
Yes, Rosemary definitely too chilly BUT it is amazing and totally family friendly. We went with both sets of parents and everyone agreed it was one of the best vacations. We are definitely going back this coming year.
The only problem with the Beaches T&C is the flight time from Houston. I wish we had better flights to the Caribbean!!
What about the Bahamas? Depending on when you go, there may be direct flights from Houston. We went to Atlantis earlier this year and it was amazing!! We stayed in the Reef tower (they are like condos w/kitchen, washer/dryer, etc). It's HUGE and there are lots of things for kids to do, but it's not AI and it was an $$$ trip
I haven't been to Jamaica in many years but I know there are LOTS of AIs there. Also, the Dominican has lots of options, but I've never been there so can't assist and the flight times are longer.
Totally understand about Mexico. J doesn't want to go either every time I bring it up.
Was going to rec Jamaica for good AIs, as well. However, now that Air Jamaica no longer flies direct from Houston (I don't think, anyway), flights are not as convenient.
If you are going in January/February, I'd head as far south as you can in the Carribean or consider something like Belize or Costa Rica. We went to Mexico for our anniversary in January earlier this year and it really wasn't quite warm enough to swim at the beach. There were a few people doing it but even the heated pools weren't really warm enough to be comfortable, IMO. It was perfectly nice to sit outside, though, not too hot. Just something to consider if you know your boys will be wanting to play in the water. I know some little kids like to just play in the sand.
I've heard good things about Costa Rica - Suzi G just went (I think?) and took her Cooper there. I can't - too much "wildlife."
Check flights for Jamaica - I think they do have some direct flights out, but they may be hard to get. I hate the fact that if you change, you're going all the way to Miami and then out to the islands...and that's almost an entire day of travel.
Would R consider Mexico on the Cabo side? From what I've heard...big difference.
Totally agree! Really love Cabo. The only issue is that depending on where you stay, the water can be rough in the ocean. There are a few AI options there. Some friends of ours go every year and rent a house and it's not very expensive and really nice, plus you have access to the Sunset Beach Resort next door.
I know, especially because we could have free lodging and see you. I totally had a plan of leaving Ray and Jason with the boys and you and I taking off for a day
But Beaches T&C is having an AWESOME sale. We can get a 2 br suite at 60% off the normal price, so I think we might go for it.
i'm not gonna lie, a beach vacay does sound nice (it's supposed to snow here tonight). but i've been jonesin' for a good couple of days of skiing. that sounds like a great deal!